The weblog of Norman Geras

February 02, 2008

The Momma 'n' Daddy Collection 93

As he's just been in Manchester, I reckon it's time for Steve Earle to get another spot in this fabulous series. The story he tells in 'The Devil's Right Hand' has, as you will see, its very special particularities. But, even through them, it carries an old piece of wisdom.

About the time that Daddy left to fight the big war
Saw my first pistol in the general store
In the general store, when I was thirteen
Thought it was the finest thing ever had seen

Asked if I could have one someday when I grew up
Mama dropped a dozen eggs, she really blew up
She really blew up, she didn't understand
Mama said the pistol is the devil's right hand

Chorus
The devil's right hand, the devil's right hand
Mama says the pistol is the devil's right hand

My first pistol was a cap and ball Colt
Shoots as fast as lightnin' but she loads a mite slow
Loads a mite slow, and soon I found out
Get you into trouble but it can't get you out

I went to buy myself a Colt 45
Called a peacemaker but I never knew why
I never knew why, I didn't understand
Mama says the pistol is the devil's right hand

Repeat chorus

I got into a card game in a company town
Caught a miner cheating and I shot the dog down
I shot him down, I watched the man fall
He never touched his holster, never had a chance to draw

My trial was in the morning and they drug me out of bed
Asked me how I pleaded, 'Not guilty,' I said
'Not guilty,' I said. 'You've got the wrong man
Nothing touched the trigger but the devil's right hand.'

Repeat chorus

When you start out on life's weary path, your Mom may know things that you don't. Listen and learn.

[The Momma 'n' Daddy Archive, containing all the details of the series, is here.]